Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Associated With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 in an 8-Week-Old Infant

J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc. 2020 Dec 31;9(6):781-784. doi: 10.1093/jpids/piaa137.

Abstract

We describe an 8-week-old infant with severe gastrointestinal symptoms, significant hypoalbuminemia, and mild carditis following asymptomatic infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The infant's symptoms, including their temporal appearance, were consistent with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). A unique finding on colonic histology which may shed light on the pathogenesis of MIS-C was identified. The patient improved significantly following several anti-inflammatory treatments. The lag between the presentation of MIS-C and initial SARS-CoV-2 exposure, which may often be asymptomatic, together with the young age of our patient, makes this a challenging diagnosis. Clinicians should be aware of this entity, even in the neonatal and infantile age groups, to facilitate timely identification and treatment.

Keywords: COVID-19; Kawasaki; MIS-C; PIMS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / diagnosis*
  • COVID-19 / pathology
  • COVID-19 / therapy
  • Colon / pathology
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Tract / pathology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / pathology
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / therapy

Supplementary concepts

  • pediatric multisystem inflammatory disease, COVID-19 related